The WWE Universe is bound to be surprised tonight as they will see a series of unexpected entrants joining the action in the Men’s and Women’s Royal Rumble Match.
So far 20 participants have been announced for the male encounter and 23 wrestlers will compete in the women’s bout.
Returning aces, NXT call-ups, WWE legends and even international superstars that no one has ever seen wrestling in Vince McMahon’s promotion before could join the action and leave the live crowd as well as millions watching at home in awe.
Check out our list of potential surprise entrants below for more:
1. Braun Strowman
Braun Strowman was supposed to battle Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship at the Royal Rumble.
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However, WWE Chairman and CEO McMahon omitted him from the match after he destroyed his limousine on RAW.
Strowman has expressed his desire to join the Men’s Royal Rumble Match and isn’t yet done with Lesnar.
The Monster Among Men has no plans ahead of the Rumble so a surprise appearance is highly likely.
Ronda Rousey may compete in the Women’s Royal Rumble Match (Image: WWE)
2. Kenny Omega
International superstar Kenny Omega recently revealed that he will no longer wrestle at New Japan Pro-Wrestling and will join another promotion once his contract runs out in late January.
Rumours suggest Omega turned down an offer from WWE and is on his way to joining his friends Cody Rhodes as well as The Young Bucks at the newly-former All Elite Wrestling.
However, stranger things have happened in WWE and a debut similar to AJ Styles’ in 2016 shouldn’t be ruled out.
3. Lars Sullivan
WWE have been sharing vignettes of Lars Sullivan’s impending arrival on the main roster for weeks.
Sullivan was expected to make his debut earlier this month but a rumoured anxiety attack wouldn’t allow him to perform.
According to reports, WWE have big plans for the NXT ace and could have him start a feud with John Cena at the Royal Rumble that would lead to a match at WrestleMania 35.
Kurt Angle may make a shock appearance at the Royal Rumble (Image: GETTY)
4. EC3
EC3 is another NXT star expected to make his in-ring debut in the main roster soon.
The former TNA star shone bright at the developmental brand where he had some exciting bouts against the likes of Adam Cole, Ricochet and Velveteen Dream.
EC3 has some unfinished business in WWE and may look to make an impact tonight.
5. Kurt Angle
Kurt Angle has been making a series of surprise appearances on RAW and Pay-Per-View events.
A possible entry at the Royal Rumble will lead to a big pop from the crowd and would add some nostalgia into the match.
Angle may finally get the chance to avenge his heavy loss on RAW to Drew McIntyre.
Bray Wyatt may finally return to action (Image: GETTY)
6. Bray Wyatt
Bray Wyatt hasn’t been seen on WWE TV ever since last summer when his former tag team partner ‘Woken’ Matt Hardy took time off.
Wyatt made a series of non-televised appearances on live events and Starrcade where he defeated Baron Corbin.
WWE fans have been wanting to see The Eater of Worlds come back for a long time now and they may finally get their wish tonight.
7. Ronda Rousey
Ronda Rousey seems set to retain the RAW Women’s Championship against Sasha Banks and remain undefeated until WrestleMania.
However, if Rousey loses her title then we should expect her to enter the Women’s Royal Rumble Match and even win the entire bout.
That could set up her much-anticipated WrestleMania megamatch against SmackDown rivals Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair.
Becky Lynch may pull off double duty at the Royal Rumble (Image: WWE)
8. Becky Lynch
Lynch will challenge Asuka for the SmackDown Women’s Championship at the Royal Rumble.
But similar to Rousey, The Man could pull off double duty if she fails to dethrone The Empress of Tomorrow.
If The Irish Lass Kicker makes it to the match then she will be among the favourites to win it and finally have her long-awaited encounter with ‘Rowdy’, if she retains the RAW Women’s Championship.
9. Sasha Banks
Banks poses as the underdog ahead of her RAW Women’s Champion Match against Rousey.
If The Boss loses then she could be part of her second Women’s Royal Rumble Match.
The four-time women’s champion put together an incredible performance last year as she lasted a record 54 minutes and 46 seconds.
Sasha Banks had an incredible performance last year at the Royal Rumble (Image: GETTY)
10. Toni Storm
Toni Storm may become the second Mae Young Classic winner to join the action after Kairi Sane.
Storm has been on fire recently as she also beat Rhea Ripley to win the NXT UK Women’s Championship at TakeOver: Blackpool.
The 23-year-old is one of NXT’s most promising stars and the Royal Rumble would be the perfect opportunity to introduce her to a larger audience.